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Bomb Threats and Suspicious Items

Report all bomb threats and suspicious packages immediately.

Suspicious Package or Item

If you discover an unattended or suspicious item, package, bag, or other object:

  • Do not touch, move, open, or otherwise disturb the item. 
  • Evacuate the immediate area and, if possible, without risking personal safety, prevent others from entering the area. 
  • Do not use a cellular phone, two-way radio, or other electronic device that could possibly trigger an explosive device. 
  • From a safe location, call 9-1-1 and notify Campus Safety at Ext. 3300. 
  • Follow instructions from Campus Safety, law enforcement officials, or other responding personnel.

Bomb Threats Received over the Telephone

Stay calm. Keep the caller on the line as long as possible. Don’t hang up, even if the caller hangs up first. If possible, quietly alert another person to notify Campus Safety and/or law enforcement using another telephone.

Write down everything the caller says. Try to ask the following questions (when applicable):

  • Where is the device? Include the building, floor, room or specific area. 
  • When will it explode?
  • What does it look like?
  • What kind of device is it?
  • How will it be activated?
  • Why did you place the device?
  • What is your name and location?

In addition, write down:

  • The time and date of the call. 
  • The telephone number from which the call was placed or the number displayed on your caller ID.
  • The age, gender and voice of the caller. Is the voice smooth, or filled with haste? Notes about the caller’s emotional state and any background noises can also be helpful.

Immediately following the call, call 9-1-1 and Campus Safety at Ext. 3300 using another telephone. Preserve your written notes and remain available to answer questions from law enforcement officials. A Bomb Threat Checklist should be maintained near heavily trafficked campus telephones and key reception desks.

Written or Electronic Threats

If you receive a bomb threat in the form of a letter, note, email, text, social media, or other electronic communication:

  • Do not delete, alter or unnecessarily handle the message or device. 
  • Minimize handling of a written message. 
  • Preserve the original message, envelope, packaging, caller ID, screenshot or electronic documentation and any other available evidence. 
  • Immediately call Campus Safety at Ext. 3300 and dial 9-1-1. 
  • Follow instructions for preservation of the device or document.

Evacuation and Protective Instructions

Unless you are directed to evacuate or there is imminent danger and you must immediately leave the area, do not independently activate a building alarm. During an emergency, the College may instruct occupants to evacuate the building, shelter in place, avoid a specific area, or move to another location. If you are directed to evacuate the building, follow these instructions:

  • Exit the building as quickly as possible via the closest available exit, away from the reported or suspected area. 
  • Do not use the elevator, unless instructed by emergency responders. 
  • Assist others if you can do so without endangering your personal safety. Follow procedures for assisting people who may require assistance during an evacuation. 
  • Move to the assembly area or relocation point directed in the emergency instructions. 
  • Keep streets, fire lanes, fire hydrants, sidewalks, and entrances clear for emergency responders. 
  • Do not re-enter the building until an “All Clear” has been given by the College or emergency responders.